Grade 12 learners from the three different high schools in Tsantsabane took time out of their weekend schedules to assemble at the showgrounds in Postmasburg for a career day.

Kumba Iron Ore Kolomela mine, in partnership with Maths Centre in Kuruman hosted the career day with a wide range of exhibitors who provided career guidance and information.

Analise Lourence, Kolomela mine’s LED specialist said “There is a world out there waiting to be explored. I am watching to see what your plans are and how you are going to use the opportunities Kolomela mine and other stakeholders are offering you here today. Equip yourself with information. Prepare yourself and have a plan.”

Words of wisdom were offered to the learners by the speakers and Jan Lottering - provincial manager of Maths Centre in Kuruman said “Soon you will be finished with school. Remember the world is much bigger than Postmasburg. You will be competing for limited job opportunities and limited space at tertiary institutions. Believe in yourself and plan your future. The results you achieve at the end of this year will determine the type of life you will be leading for the next 30 years.”

Exhibitors like Sol Plaatje University from Kimberley, the Wholesale and Retail SETA, the Northern Cape Department of Environmental and Nature Conservation, SA Weather Services, LoveLife, the South African National Defence Force, Standard Bank and Kolomela mine’s own geology team were there to give the learners career guidance.

Entertainment was also provided to the learners by the singing group SMS to create vibrancy and excitement among the youth.

The Lesedi High School Improvement Initiative (LHSII) was officially founded on 29 March 2014 at Namakwari Lodge, Kathu, subsequent to the Lesedi High School reunion on 14 December 2013 for former students who attended the school during 1988 -1993. The group currently consists of 40 active and ambitious members.

A Constitution and a Five Year Plan were adopted at the meeting. The five year plan has clear objectives to assist the school in becoming one of the best high schools in the district.

Projects the LHSII initiated for the school include the extra classes for the Mathematics and Physics on Saturdays for grade 12 learners in 2014 and the massive clean-up of the school on January 2015. The Saturday extra classes were discontinued in 2015 though, due to a lack of funds to pay for the two educators.

The LHSII has a number of fund raising projects lined up to source funds for the improvement of their old school, some of which include the current raffle which will be drawn on 04 June 2016, the family fun day planned for sometime in September and a gala dinner in November 2016.

The LHSII is in the process of registering itself as a non-profit organisation (NPO) so they can approach corporate bodies for donations.

Resently, the LHSII was more than delighted to present its alma mater with a new printer, as well as cleaning materials and equipment. The hand over was done by Mr Modise Jarvis - the Chairperson, Mr Lesego Modise - the Secretary and Messrs Alex Moseki and Obakeng Motseothata - members of the Planning Committee of the LHSII. Everything bought was in consultation with the school management according to their requirements.

The school principal, Mr E Mothelesi was very appreciative of the donations and projects run by the LHSII and said that these gestures were very rare in the district. He called upon his team to support the group and make sure that a relationship is fostered that will help propel the school forward.

The LHSII appeals to all former learners of the Lesedi High School, since its inception to date, to join the group in order to reach maximum impact of this noble cause to plough back to the school that helped to shape their futures.

The LHSII also appeals to strategic corporate bodies such as the mines and other businesses in the John Taolo Gaetsewe district to assist the group in any way possible to enable them to achieve their Five Year Plan intended for the Lesedi High School.

Kindly visit the group’s website www.lhsii.co.za to learn more about the group.